Overview & Reviews
For 2004, the New Beetle is no longer available in GLX trim. There's an improved TDI engine and restyled 16- and 17-inch wheels. Turbo S models get uniquely styled 17-inch wheels as a late-year addition. New safety features include head curtain airbags and upgraded head restraints. The Monsoon audio system is now standard on the GLS and new GDL headlights are optional. Later in the model year a fixed rear spoiler will replace the power-operated unit and a CD player with MP3 capability will be added. Convertibles get new exterior colors and color combinations. All Beetles get a new fuel cap warning light this year. TDI models can be equipped with a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), which is a six-speed manual transmission with electronic control of the clutch and gearshifting. It can be operated in full automatic mode, like a traditional automatic, or shifted manually like a Tiptronic.
- Cute yet classic styling, range of engine choices, long list of standard features, good crash test scores.
- Tight rear-seat accommodations, limited cargo room, high price of Turbo S model.
User Reviews:
Showing 131 through 140 of 245.00-
Worst purchase of my entire life - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Victoria - September 8 - 5:17 amI bought the car because it was cute, got good gas mileage, and I had always wanted one. Well, 3 years later and ive put around $22,000 into the car. First I started replacing minor things like the timing belt and the water pump, then the alternator, then the radiator, then the computer, then the air conditioning, but then i ended up replacing the engine, then the turbo, then the door, then the head gasket, then the transmission(as well as many many other things). This car has left me stranded on SO many occasions. Im fearful to even drive this death trap. Please save yourself the heart ache, do NOT buy an older model beetle. The only reason I have held on so long is because my grandfather keeps paying to get it fixed, but this is not an inexpensive quick fix car. It will NEVER end.
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My Second Beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By bluebeetlebear - August 26 - 2:00 amThis is the second beetle I have owned, my first was a 2001 glx turbo 5 speed, I then got a 2003 jetta gls turbo, but I missed the beetle so much I traded back to a 2004 gls turbo beetle...WOW what a fantastic car! I love everything about the beetle.
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This car rules - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By beetlecarowner123 - August 26 - 2:00 amThis car is a great car, everyone in the world should own this car. It is soooooo cute.
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Fun, Fun, Fun! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By mzsuz2u - August 19 - 2:00 amI am thoroughly enjoying my New Beetle convertible. I had wanted to get a New Beetle since they came out but due to circumstances I couldnt do it. Shortly after they came out with the convertible, I got a better paying job and went and got my car! I have to say, theres nothing that I dislike about this car. Handles great, has just enough power, has stylish looks and what else can be said about riding with the top down besides WOW! Everything about the car is perfectly thought out. I wouldnt change a thing about it if given a chance.
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My Dream BUGGIE!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By esmeraldamd - August 14 - 10:00 amI recently earned my bachelors degree in elementary education. I was hired as a 4th grade teacher in May, and I new my first major purchase was going to be a bettle. I was going to go with the regular hatchback, but once I got to the dealership, I fell in love with the convertible. I love everything about my galactic blue baby! Oh, my convertible has a Tiptronic transmission that allows me to drive my buggie as an automatic or standard. It is fun to drive and it causes a great comotion as I drive by with the top down.
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Out-of-touch Car Manufacturers - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Mr. B. E. Etle - August 9 - 10:00 amUncomfortable back seat because of headroom; car much too low to the ground for pot holes and poor roads, interior falls apart (fourth beetle owned) colors boring - this is a fun car, and the same colors over and over, or shades of the same do not sell cars. But...... best design exterior appearance, excellent handling, best most comfortable seats. Also,hate unmovable new console, seat belts very hard to use. Most of the improvements on these new models stink. Who is designing these anyway? Why did they mess with a great car? Pay attention to my comments because I am a very loyal Volkswagen customer!!!!!
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Hate This Bug: Buyer Beware - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ekl - July 23 - 1:40 pmThis was the car I always wanted. Although parts of the first two years of ownership were fun, overall this is the worst purchase I have ever made. I will NEVER buy another Volkswagen! Ive owned this car for 4 1/2 years. In the last year, my bug has been towed into the dealership 3 times because it will not start, and Ive shelled out $3,000 in repairs. Ive had the seat handles replaced multiple times, the trunk will not open on the first try, the headlights short out constantly, etc. To date, Ive had the following replaced: throttle body ($800), front airbag sensor ($450), alternator ($500), windshield ($350), front grill ($500). I know the bug is very cute, but dont buy this car!
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Do not buy this car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Carrie - June 17 - 3:56 amThe first week I owned by brand new Beetle, the alternator went out on it. Since then, I have brought it in for so many other problems, I cant name them all. From three window motors breaking, to flooding when it rains through the door, to stalling, to a faulty CD changer. The car is not built right. For the asking price, its not worth it and its not a reliable car. Mine isnt the only lemon, a friend of mine has one that had its top gets stuck and not come back up. Its been in the shop for that two times. Sorry, but Ive tried to get the dealer to take my car back more than five times. Warning!
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this is not my 74 bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ripper - May 26 - 2:00 amThe only car that I have owned that can compair to the performence that this little rocket has is my Mustang GT but with 31 mpg
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HEAD TURNER WITH FLAWS - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By shelter - May 26 - 2:00 amThe V.W. sundown orange attracts lots of attention,all positive from both sexes. The ride is very hard and the level and frequency of noise and rattles is excessive and annoying. Most of the rattles etc eminates from the door-body area.as well as the convertible top. In spite of the noise and ride it is fun to drive.
